What to Pack? (Checklist)

Checklist

A summary of essential and non-essential gear for a classic solo backpacking trip lasting a few weeks or longer.

Bags

• 30/45-litre backpack: ideal for travelling light and keeping your bag with you at all times (transport, sightseeing).

• Reflective strip on the backpack: makes you visible to vehicles at night.

• 15/25-litre daypack: perfect as an additional bag.

• Neck pouch or belt pouch: the best way to protect valuables.

• Camera/video bag: useful (but discreet) for protecting equipment.

• Large rubbish bag: to line the inside of your main bag (and daypack).

• Small supermarket bags: for packing and protecting everything (and dirty laundry).

• Small waterproof bags (freezer-style): for packing items most sensitive to moisture (money, documents, books, etc.).

Clothing

• Lightweight walking shoes: sufficient in 99% of cases for lightweight models that work everywhere and have a versatile look. Can be considered your main pair.

• Sandals (plastic, rubber, etc.): for the beach, showers, and extreme heat.

• Underwear: three pairs are enough.

• Swimsuit: always useful, not just at the beach.

• Sarong: multi-purpose for travellers.

• Zip-off trousers: great for saving space with this "two-in-one" option.

• Very lightweight trousers (sarouel, African-style, etc.): an alternative to shorts at the beach, in extreme heat, or at rest stops.

• Jeans or similar: durable and versatile but hot in some regions and slow to dry.

• Belt: can also be used as a strap in a pinch.

• T-shirts: two or three, easily replaceable on the road.

• Sweatshirt or fleece: more or less warm; useful in cold regions but also against night-time chills or air conditioning in many places.

• Jacket or coat: more or less warm and bulky. Opt for a waterproof one.

• Scarf or shemagh (or bandanas as an alternative): to protect against cold, heat, or dust, use as a head covering... and even as a strap.

• Cap, bucket hat, or sun hat: always useful against the sun and occasionally the rain.

Hygiene

• Toothbrush and toothpaste: some recommend mini models with cases.

• Multi-purpose shower gel: choose ones that also work as soap and shampoo.

• Refreshing and antiseptic wipes: for freshening up anywhere, anytime.

• Washcloth: those looking to save space can use a towel instead.

• Towel: small and thin, or larger and thicker if you plan to spend a lot of time at the beach.

• Feminine hygiene products: for travellers.

• Deodorant: in small format or samples; avoid scents that attract insects.

• Shaving: disposable razors + foam or electric (110/220 V, or battery-powered), plus aftershave.

• Small mirror, comb, small scissors, nail clippers, tweezers: always handy.

Health

• Aspirin (chewable), plasters, and small antiseptic: the bare minimum.

• STI/HIV kit: recommended for travel.

• Personal medication: if needed. Plan accordingly (or have a prescription written in English if you need to buy locally).

• Vaccinations and vaccination record: best to be up to date, and for some countries, keep your record with you.

• Anti-malarial treatment: if needed, with the appropriate treatment for the areas you’re visiting—avoid overkill as some recommend.

• Mosquito and insect repellent: useful in many places for clothing (lotion, gel, spray) and at night (coils), plus soothing balm for after bites.

• Micropur and other water purification tablets/products: even if rarely needed, they take up almost no space.

• Sunscreen: useful in small format at the beach, in the mountains, and many other places.

• Sunglasses with a hard case (and optional strap): choose good-quality sunglasses for water or snow.

• Prescription glasses or disposable contact lenses: with hard cases for those who need them.

• Toilet paper: essential for travel.

Sleeping and Eating

• Sleeping bag liner with cover: very compact and useful against questionable bedding, overnight trains, or sleeping outdoors in warm weather.

• Travel alarm clock: essential; in small format.

• Earplugs and eye mask: always useful for the former; slightly less so for the latter.

• Small torch (headlamp optional) with extra batteries or, better yet, a dynamo-powered one.

• Combination lock (not key-operated) with cable: to secure your room in some hotels and lock up belongings.

• Swiss Army knife: a good, multi-purpose one with a corkscrew, can opener, file, tweezers, screwdriver, etc.

• Small spoon: always comes in handy.

Miscellaneous Gear

• Two pens, highlighter, notebook: the basics, with the highlighter to emphasise guidebook info.

• Small wallet: always useful.

• Calculator: exists in matchbox size. For keeping track of expenses and currency conversions.

• Sewing kit, safety pins, elastic bands, paperclips: always very useful on the road.

• String (and 2–3 clothes pegs): 2–3 metres, which you’ll always find a use for.

• Universal adapter (for electrical outlets): essential for your devices in many countries, especially in Asia or Latin America.

• Lighter: recommended, even for non-smokers.

• Small umbrella: protects against short rain showers or sun.

• Camera gear: plan according to your needs, with discreet protection and storage.

• Laptop: small format like an Eee PC. Not essential but offers many services (internet, films, music, photo storage).

• USB stick: negligible size and cost for wide use.

• MP3 player/radio, mini gaming console: great for keeping busy, especially when travelling alone (though somewhat redundant if you have a laptop).

• Books: one or two max, to exchange along the way.

• Guidebooks and maps: even for a long trip, two max—buy others on the road. Don’t forget everything available online.

• French/English dictionary (or other phrasebook): for English and beyond, often useful just to have the basics.

• Documents, money, passport, visas, e-ticket references, insurance: the things you mustn’t forget! Keep online copies.

• Vaccination record, international driving permit, ID photos: not always necessary, but costs almost nothing.

• Blank cheque from your bank: as a last resort, makes it easier to borrow from a fellow countryman.

For specifics based on types of trips, travellers, or occasions, see the chapter "Gearing Up For"